The National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) is investigating a case in which prohibited reptiles were discovered after a raid in Gymea, New South Wales.
Following an investigation into the alleged supply of illegal substances in the southern Sydney region, a search took place at a residence in Flat Rock Place, Gymea Bay, on May 16.
Police attached to Sutherland Local Area Command seized methamphetamine, cannabis, a stun gun, knuckle-duster and capsicum spray.
A 23-year-old man was charged with supply and possession of drugs, possession of a prohibited weapon and an explosives offence among others.
NPWS officers subsequently attended after a number of illegally-held reptiles were located inside the home.
Officers seized three rare chameleons (believed to originate from Madagascar), two native and two exotic turtles, and an African bull python.
The reptiles were taken to Taronga Zoo for treatment, with the turtles and snake reported to be in poor health.
The reptiles may be euthanised to prevent foreign diseases and pathogens impacting on native species.
It is an offence under Federal and State law to keep any native animal, including reptiles, without a permit and it is illegal to keep and commercially trade exotic reptiles in NSW.
Pet shops are not allowed to trade in reptiles or have them on the premises, though they may sell accessories such as cages.
Licensed keepers can offload excess stock, such as the reptiles they breed, to other licence holders, though they cannot buy and sell them as a commercial venture.
Commercial dealers operate in Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory and ACT, and an interstate import licence must be obtained from the NPWS before they can be legally brought in to NSW.
SAM WORRAD